Synectin in the nervous system: expression pattern and potential as a binding partner of neurotrophin receptors.

To assess the potential for functional interaction between synectin and neurotrophin receptors (Trk receptors) in the nervous system, we characterized synectin expression in the rat brain. Synectin is widely expressed in the brain and its expression levels are regulated both temporally and spatially, correlating with those of Trk receptors. Biochemical studies indicated that synectin interacts with TrkB but not with TrkC in the developing brain. We also found that axotomized motoneurons upregulate synectin mRNA expression as well as TrkB mRNA. These data suggest that synectin plays a role in neural development and regeneration in association with TrkB.